An investigation into strategies to improve female secondary school chemistry students’ participation in Science, Technology and Mathematics in Edo State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/jpsmm.vol10.2.6.2020Keywords:
STM, female students, chemistry, chemistry educationAbstract
This study was carried out to determine the strategies that could improve female chemistry students’ participation in STM education. Two research questions were raised for the study and one hypothesis was formulated. The design adopted for this study is the descriptive survey research design. The sample for the study was two hundred students randomly selected from four schools. A questionnaire titled strategies for improving senior secondary school female chemistry students participation in STM Education was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was properly validated and its reliability was determined (r=0.81) before it was used. The data collected were analyzed using frequencies and percentages and Mann- Whtiney U test statistics. The findings of the study are as follows (i) use of strategies such as Parental, Teachers, governmental involvement and elimination of socio-cultural factor will improve female students’ participation in STM career (ii). A non-significant difference in the percentage of female chemistry students base on class who agreed that parents, teachers, government and socio-cultural factor have roles to play in promoting female participation in STM education (iii) a significant difference in the percentage of female chemistry students from rural and urban location who agreed on the usage of parents, teachers, government and socio-cultural factor to promote female participation in STM education. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Parents, Teachers, and government should encourage female chemistry students further their career in science, technology and mathematics (STM) related course by providing the needed study materials and guidance respectively among others.
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